🎙️ Introvert Ally Episode: Coaching, Confidence, and Conferences for Introverted Leaders

Guest: Carol Stewart, Founder of Abounding Solutions and Creator of the Quietly Visible Conference Host: Jennifer Kahnweiler Duration: ~28 minutes

🔍 Episode Overview

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Carol Stewart, a leadership coach, author, and advocate for introverted leaders. Carol shares her journey from the UK Ministry of Justice to becoming a globally recognized voice for introverts. Her passion for coaching, combined with academic rigor and lived experience, helped her create impactful spaces—like the Quietly Visible conference—that champion introversion as a leadership strength.

Carol also opens up about the “introvert pay gap,” how introverts can thrive on LinkedIn, and what it takes to be an introvert ally in today's workplace.

🌟 Key Takeaways

• From Redundancy to Reinvention: Carol transitioned from a senior government role into coaching after her position was eliminated. She leaned into her strengths and passion for helping others grow, particularly during career transitions.

• Embracing Introversion as a Strength: Like many introverts, Carol once resisted the label due to common misconceptions. Through deeper research and reflection, she came to see introversion as a source of power and authenticity.

• The Introvert Pay Gap is Real: Carol discusses emerging research showing that extroverts tend to earn more over the course of their careers, in part due to workplace biases.

• Strategies for Allyship in Organizations: Allies can:

  • Acknowledge the extrovert ideal bias.

  • Design meetings that allow space for introverts to reflect.

  • Share agendas in advance.

  • Encourage diverse thinking styles.

• LinkedIn for Introverts: Carol recommends it as a platform where introverts can:

  • Share thought leadership at their own pace.

  • Build visibility without being in the spotlight.

  • Connect deeply and authentically.

• Social Justice and Personality Inclusion: Carol views personality style inclusion—especially for introverts—as a social justice issue. She urges organizations to expand inclusion efforts beyond visible characteristics.

👏 Conference Spotlight: Quietly Visible

Carol hosts a unique in-person and virtual conference for introverted leaders each September in London. With panels, masterclasses, and even a LinkedIn branding session, it’s a powerful experience for introverted professionals across the globe.

📌 Action Items

• Follow Carol Stewart on LinkedIn (search: Carol Stewart Abounding Solutions or Carol Stewart Quietly Visible)

• Visit her website: aboundingsolutions.com to sign up for her newsletter and learn about the 2025 Quietly Visible Conference

• Explore Carol’s work on leadership coaching, psychological safety, and inclusion

• Become an introvert ally by:

  • Noticing and addressing bias

  • Encouraging balanced participation in meetings

  • Valuing authenticity over performance